Engadget RSS Feedhttp://www.engadget.com
Engadgethttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gifEngadgethttp://www.engadget.com
en-usCopyright 2015 AOL Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/monument-valley-dev-5-of-android-players-paid-to-play/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/monument-valley-dev-5-of-android-players-paid-to-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2015/01/06/monument-valley-dev-5-of-android-players-paid-to-play/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsMonument Valley developer Ustwo revealed that only five percent of the game's installs on Android are "paid for." It divulged "interesting data" about the game in recent tweets, clarifying that a "small number" of the other 95 percent of installs were legitimate. Additionally, the data does not account for the one promotional day in which Monument Valley was free on the Amazon Store. By comparison, Ustwo said that 40 percent of the installs for the game on iOS were paid for.

Piracy isn't a new problem for the Android platform, as indicated by games such as Lucky Frame's Gentlemen!. The Edinburgh, Scotland-based independent developer announced in August 2013 that just 144 of the 50,000 downloads for Gentlemen! on Android were legitimate. Ustwo first launched Monument Valley on iOS in April 2014 before it arrived on Android one month later. The game reached one million copies sold in July after having recouped its development costs after one week on the App Store. It received eight new levels on iOS in November and earned a year-end award from Apple last month.

To run it, you'll need to have an Android device that's at least 6" or larger. Like the other platform versions, the Android edition of Hearthstone will sync up with your Battle.net account and allow you to use your existing cards (if you have any). Plans are in the works for an Android version to work on smaller-size phones.

Touch Arcade
]]>
androidblizzardccgccgmmogoogle-playhearthstonelaunchmobiletcgtcgmmotrading-card-gameWed, 17 Dec 2014 20:00:00 -0500319|21117737http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
We're living in the age of smart phones, when there are more cell phones than there are people on this planet. I can't go anywhere without seeing people constantly whipping out their little rectangular companions for the constant stream of information, social connection, and Candy Crush interludes.

While MMOs aren't making great headway on these devices, in part due to the limited input scheme, several wise studios have made good use of the mobile market to give players a way to keep in touch with their games even while AFK. Today we're going to count down, count up, and count sideways 10 official mobile apps that will enhance your MMO lifestyle.

"Google Play Games has added the ability for players to find each other nearby in multiplayer games with the latest Play services update," reads an update on the Android Developers Google Plus page. "Through games that support Play Games multiplayer, players can now invite others nearby into the same game when starting a multiplayer session, creating more local competitive and cooperative experiences."

The only caveat here is that this local multiplayer support will only work in games built using the awkwardly-named Google Play Games services. It remains to be seen whether developers will embrace this new feature (and the Google oversight that comes with it).

EngadgetGoogle Plus
]]>
androidgooglegoogle-playmobilemultiplayerFri, 17 Oct 2014 15:00:00 -040011|20980071http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/dont-want-that-app-google-play-expands-refunds-up-to-two-hours/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/dont-want-that-app-google-play-expands-refunds-up-to-two-hours/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/09/12/dont-want-that-app-google-play-expands-refunds-up-to-two-hours/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Regretting that $7 purchase of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on your Nexus 7? There's time to turn it around now that Google has expanded the window for refunds on app purchases. Google Play shoppers now have two hours to return an app to the store, whereas refunds were previously limited to just 15 minutes after point of sale.

Returning an app on Google Play is a simple process. Just go to "My Apps" in the store, highlight the locus of buyer's remorse, and select "Refund" to have it removed. While the process may appear to lend itself to gaming the system for free games, Google does have checks in place to prevent people from endlessly downloading and returning games. Anyone who purchases a refunded app a second time is stuck with it for good.

Google has had to broadly reconsider Google Play customer policies. On Sept 4, a Federal Trade Commission complaint forced Google to refund a minimum of $19 million in in-app purchases. Children making unwitting in-app buys on their parents' devices became a major problem for the store. Luckily, parents can at least get refunds provided they check their Galaxy Tab quicker than every two hours on family road trips.

If we were to face a complaint filed with the Federal Trade Commission, having a bunch of irritated parents on the other end of things is pretty low on our list of ideal situations. We're thinking Google feels the same way, now that they've agreed to pay a minimum of $19 million in refunds over purchases made without the account holder's explicit consent.

The trouble stems from children making purchases through their parents' accounts without permission, which presumably led to some spirited child-and-parent talks over monthly credit card statements. According to the FTC's release concerning Google's settlement, the tech giant has also agreed to modify its billing strategy to "ensure that it obtains express, informed consent from consumers before charging them for items sold in mobile apps."

Hopefully these changes will soon allow parents to deploy phones and tablets for much-needed sanity breaks without paying a premium. Then again, gardens aren't going to just grow their own zombie defense budget ...

Game PoliticsFTC
]]>
androidgooglegoogle-playin-app-purchaseslawsuitmicrotransactionsmobileSun, 07 Sep 2014 15:00:00 -040011|20958454http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/07/crazy-taxi-city-rushes-to-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/07/crazy-taxi-city-rushes-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/07/crazy-taxi-city-rushes-to-android/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Hot on the heels of its iOS counterpart, the mobile-exclusive Crazy Taxi: City Rush is now available on Android devices.

Designed by Crazy Taxi creator Kenji Kanno, City Rush has been built specifically for the touchscreen interface found on mobile devices. Though the game still centers on racing through a city, gathering pedestrians and delivering them safely to their destinations, Crazy Taxi: City Rush also includes new characters, new cabs (including a tank) and new jobs spread throughout the sunny streets of Bay City.

Crazy Taxi: City Rush can now be found on Google Play. It's a free download, but the game does feature numerous in-app purchase options.

Edit: This article originally stated that the Android version of Crazy Taxi: City Rush offers support for custom soundtracks. That feature is, in fact, exclusive to the iOS version.

]]>
androidcrazy-taxigooglegoogle-playkenji-kannomobilesegaThu, 07 Aug 2014 19:00:00 -040011|20943564http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/04/bomb-gaza-among-controversial-games-found-on-google-play-store/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/04/bomb-gaza-among-controversial-games-found-on-google-play-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/04/bomb-gaza-among-controversial-games-found-on-google-play-store/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
The Google Play store is under criticism for recently hosting multiple games centered around the Israel-Gaza war. Apps such as Bomb Gaza and Gaza Assault: Code Red recently appeared on the Android marketplace before eventually being removed today.

A cached version of Gaza Assault's store listing said players could "take control of an Israeli UAV equipped with powerful weapons in an attempt to secure the region" in the game, which was added to the store on July 21. Likewise, a cached page for Bomb Gaza noted that players in the game "drop bombs and avoid killing civilians." It was added to Google Play on July 29 by PlayFTW, a developer with two other apps on the market, Piano and Space War: New Era.

The Telegraph
]]>
androidappappsbomb-gazaGazagaza-assault-code-redgaza-herogooglegoogle-playIsraelmobilewhack-the-hamasMon, 04 Aug 2014 17:00:00 -040011|20941681http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/joystiq-deals-google-play-store-credit-giveaway/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/joystiq-deals-google-play-store-credit-giveaway/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/08/01/joystiq-deals-google-play-store-credit-giveaway/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
There's no better deal than free money, which is why today Joystiq Deals is highlighting the ongoing $1,000 Google Play store giveaway. Those who register for the contest will be entered to win Google Play store credit from one of three prize tiers: The grand prize winner walks away with $150 credit, the runner-up takes home $100 and 15 others will receive $50.

No purchase is necessary to enter the giveaway, but all entries must be in by the drawing on September 31. For full, official rules, see the drawing's lengthy legalese section.
Joystiq Deals is a partnership between AOL and StackSocial. A portion of sales goes to funding this site. Deals are curated by StackSocial independently of the Joystiq editorial team.

Joystiq Deals
]]>
androidgoogle-playjoystiq-dealsmobileFri, 01 Aug 2014 16:30:00 -040011|20940638http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/25/google-play-adds-offline-games-section/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/25/google-play-adds-offline-games-section/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/25/google-play-adds-offline-games-section/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Those worried that the games they play on their Android devices might be subtly pushing them ever-closer to their carrier's data cap can rest a bit easier by perusing the offerings in Google Play's newly-launched "Offline Games" section.

Like the name says, all games found in the Offline Games section require no Internet connectivity beyond the initial download. While this means the games (which include Plague Inc., Jetpack Joyride and Minecraft - Pocket Edition) won't automatically tap into the cloud for leaderboard updates and in-app purchase reminders, it also means your monthly phone bill won't suddenly inflate to ludicrous levels simply because you spent an especially boring afternoon at the DMV with only your portable device for entertainment.

As Engadget points out, the Offline Games section is currently paltry when compared to the thousands of games otherwise available on Google Play, but it's a start. Hopefully more mobile developers will see this move as a reminder that not everyone has an unlimited data plan.

EngadgetOffline Games
]]>
androidgoogle-playjetpack-joyridemachine-gun-jetpackmobileoffline-gamesFri, 25 Jul 2014 19:00:00 -040011|20937048http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/10/fluffy-platformer-leos-fortune-rolls-to-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/10/fluffy-platformer-leos-fortune-rolls-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/07/10/fluffy-platformer-leos-fortune-rolls-to-android/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsLeo's Fortune, the tablet-based platformer from 1337 & Senri, is now available on Android. The game first launched on iOS in May, and stars a mustachioed blue ball named Leopold, who is on the hunt for his missing gold. Players must leap and glide through levels with switches and spiky traps, collecting Leo's gold coins and toppling record times to perfect each area along the way.

Our review of the game praised its touch-based controls as well as its creative, contraption-like level design, though Leo's Fortune is a little on the short side with only a few dozen levels to complete. The game costs $4.99 on Google Play and supports controllers and gamepads made for Android devices as well as leaderboards, achievements and cloud save support.

Google Play
]]>
1337-and-senriandroidgoogle-playleos-fortunemobilePlatformerThu, 10 Jul 2014 21:00:00 -040011|20928611http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/26/monsters-ate-my-birthday-cake-out-now-for-android-ios/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/26/monsters-ate-my-birthday-cake-out-now-for-android-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/26/monsters-ate-my-birthday-cake-out-now-for-android-ios/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
SleepNinja's top-down puzzler Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake launches today on iOS and Android via Google Play and Amazon's app store. Since its release date was announced earlier this month, the game's price on mobile devices has increased by one dollar to $4.99.

The "environmental puzzle" game, which draws its inspiration from traditional Legend of Zelda puzzles, will also arrive on Steam next week on July 1. The PC version will cost $14.99, though it will be discounted by roughly 20 percent at launch. Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake gained ground on Kickstarter, earning $26,091 on the funding platform in February 2013 prior to receiving publishing assistance from Cartoon Network in April. Cartoon Network plans to publish "more than 10 mobile titles and at least four on Steam," of which Monsters Ate My Birthday Cake is its first original IP for the PC game distribution service.

iTunes, Google Play, Amazon
]]>
amazon-app-storeandroidcartoon-networkgoogle-playiosipadiphonekickstartermobilemonsters-ate-my-birthday-cakeout-nowsleepninjaThu, 26 Jun 2014 15:00:00 -040011|20920559http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/27/watch-dogs-mobile-griefing-app-out-today/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/27/watch-dogs-mobile-griefing-app-out-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/05/27/watch-dogs-mobile-griefing-app-out-today/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Ubisoft's mobile companion app for Watch Dogs is now available on Android and iOS, and gives players the opportunity to interact with others in the game's online sections. Though the word "companion" doesn't have the same ring to it in the "ctOS Mobile" app, as players use it to mess with others' surroundings in an attempt to thwart their attempts to reach the finish line in both race and free ride modes.

For instance, players within the ctOS Mobile app can control a Chicago PD helicopter and go on the hunt for their rivals, controlling ctOS devices within the helicopter's range like road blockers and traffic lights to halt other players. Mobile players will also dispatch Chicago police units like squad cars and SWAT teams and upgrade their effectiveness. As app users complete challenges, they earn experience and skill points, with which they can enhance their police arsenal as well as their own abilities.

The app is free to download and doesn't require that players own the console game. Ubisoft has a list of its compatible devices on its blog. Our review of Watch Dogs, now available today, notes that the game is "a more fluid and modern power fantasy than we're used to," likening players in the game to being a wizard.

iTunes, Google Play
]]>
androidappcompanion-appctos-mobilegoogle-playgriefingiosipadiphonemobilemultiplayeronlinetrollingUbisoftUbisoft-Montrealwatch-dogsTue, 27 May 2014 13:16:00 -040011|20893144http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/04/24/xcom-enemy-unknown-gets-acquainted-with-android-out-now/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsXCOM: Enemy Unknown is out now on Google Play, commander. The new Android port is priced $10/£7.14, and according to a message from XCOM HQ, an advance on the Amazon Appstore is expected "soon."

Despite claiming the lives of many of our best friends - or at least a bunch of soldiers named after them - we ranked Enemy Unknown as our second-best game of 2012. The good news: Firaxis transitioned the console and PC release into a "slick, portable package" on iOS, and hopefully that'll pan out the same way on Android.

@XCOM, Google Play
]]>
2K2K-Gamesamazonamazon-appstoreandroidfiraxisFiraxis-Gamesgoogle-playmobilexcom-enemy-unknownThu, 24 Apr 2014 07:00:00 -040011|20874700http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/08/celtic-heroes-mobile-mmo-launches-for-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/08/celtic-heroes-mobile-mmo-launches-for-android/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/04/08/celtic-heroes-mobile-mmo-launches-for-android/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsCeltic Heroes has been doing well enough on the iOS platform that developer One Thumb Mobile is now releasing it for the Android. Published with the popular Unity game engine, Celtic Heroes is a mobile 3D MMO that focuses heavily on a rich fantasy storyline and is said to rival any other browser or desktop MMO.

"Our team has created something very special with the launch of our new cross-platform engine," states Executive Producer Paul Simon. "We look forward to massively expanding Celtic Heroes and providing the biggest, most social gaming experience on mobile."

]]>
3d-mmoandroidappappleceltic-heroesdroidgoogle-playiosmobileone-thumb-mobilepaul-simonTue, 08 Apr 2014 09:00:00 -0400319|20865075http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/17/cross-platform-android-and-ios-gaming-arriving-through-google-pl/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/17/cross-platform-android-and-ios-gaming-arriving-through-google-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/03/17/cross-platform-android-and-ios-gaming-arriving-through-google-pl/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Android phone and tablet owners and iOS devotees might not be quite so divided in the video game space soon. Features recently added to Google Play game services, the tool used by developers to manage items like leaderboards and achievements in Android, included new multiplayer options for iOS devices. Additionally, as Engadget pointed out, an update to the Unity engine allows cross-platform multiplayer for iOS and Android players.

Google Play game services also received a change to their categories, bringing the total number of video game genres on the platform to 18. Lastly, Google plans to launch a "game gifts" service, which will allow players to send one another in-game items. The company launched its game services software development kit in May 2013 as an answer to Apple's Game Center service. Google also recently purchased Android controller manufacturer Green Throttle Games.

Engadget
]]>
androidApplecross-platformEngadgetGoogleGoogle Playgoogle-playgoogle-play-game-servicesgoogle-play-gamesGreen Throttle GamesIDeviceiosipadiphonemobilemultiplayerSciTechservicesUnityunity-engineMon, 17 Mar 2014 18:30:00 -040011|20851626http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/07/dungeon-keeper-android-makes-it-difficult-to-rate-app-less-than/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/07/dungeon-keeper-android-makes-it-difficult-to-rate-app-less-than/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/02/07/dungeon-keeper-android-makes-it-difficult-to-rate-app-less-than/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Players who did not enjoy EA's free-to-play Android version of Dungeon Keeper found themselves unable to voice their displeasure in the days following its release, as Pocket Gamer discovered that the game actively discourages less-than-perfect ratings via Google Play.

After playing Dungeon Keeper for several minutes, an in-game pop-up requests a Google Play rating, giving players the option of submitting either a 5-star vote or a rating of 1-4 stars. Choosing the "5 Stars" option lets users proceed through the ratings process normally. Selecting the "1-4 Stars" option prevents users from submitting a rating at all, instead confronting them with a request for direct feedback - a result akin to voting in a Pawnee election.

Players can still rate Dungeon Keeper directly via Google Play, however, and nothing prevents users from submitting a lower rating after pressing the in-app "5 Stars" button. The game currently sits at an average rating of 4.3 stars out of 5.

Speaking to Eurogamer, an EA Mobile representative defended the tactic as a method to encourage detailed player feedback. "The 'rate this app' feature in the Google Play version of Dungeon Keeper was designed to help us collect valuable feedback from players who don't feel the game is worth a top rating," the representative said. "We wanted to make it easier for more players to send us feedback directly from the game if they weren't having the best experience. Players can always continue to leave any rating they want on the Google Play Store."

EurogamerPocket Gamer
]]>
androiddungeon-keeperea-mobileelectronic-artsfree-to-playgoogle-playmobileFri, 07 Feb 2014 12:30:00 -050011|20825273http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/final-fantasy-6-out-now-on-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/final-fantasy-6-out-now-on-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/16/final-fantasy-6-out-now-on-android/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsFinal Fantasy 6 is now available on Android. The mobile port was originally announced in October by Square Enix producer Takashi Tokita, who expected the game to arrive on both Android and iOS by the end of 2013. While it just missed the mark on its Android release, the game has not yet appeared on iOS.

Final Fantasy 6 has been all over the place, as it first launched in 1994 on SNES, was later ported to PlayStation in 1999, Game Boy Advance in 2006 and hit PSN in 2011. The Android version of the game features recreated graphics and shares the "new magicites and events" that were brought forth on GBA. The classic RPG costs $15.99 on the Google Play store.

Google Play
]]>
androidclassicsff6final-fantasy-6final-fantasy-vigoogle-playmobileportrpgSquare-EnixThu, 16 Jan 2014 04:00:00 -050011|20808930http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/07/fight-manager-sim-title-bout-championship-boxing-2013-out-on-ipa/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/07/fight-manager-sim-title-bout-championship-boxing-2013-out-on-ipa/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/01/07/fight-manager-sim-title-bout-championship-boxing-2013-out-on-ipa/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Boxing management sim Title Bout Championship Boxing 2013 is now available on iPad and Android via the Google Play store. Title Bout 2013 launched on PC, Mac and Linux in June 2013, one month after Out of the Park Developments sold the series to PISD, an independent company that provides OOTP with development libraries used for Out of the Park Baseball.

Title Bout 2013 has players simulating boxing matches, setting up tournaments, training sessions and more in a management simulation/text-adventure-style interface. Much like OOTP Baseball and Sports Interactive's Football Manager series, Title Bout 2013 features a huge database of real-life athletes, sporting over 8,000 fighter records. The management sim is said to be nearly the same on iOS and Android as it is on PC, though it's priced at a moderate $1.99 compared to the current $9.99 price for two PC licenses on the game's site.

Title Bout Championship Boxing has a lengthy history, as it began as a tabletop game created by brothers Jim and Tom Trunzo in the late 1970's, later seeing DOS-based text simulation TKO Boxing in 1990. Comp-U-Sport created Title Fight 2001, a brand later sold to OOTP Developments, which launched Title Bout Championship Boxing 2 and version 2.5 in 2005 and 2008, respectively.

Google Play, iTunes
]]>
androidapp-storeboxingboxing-simgoogle-playindieiosipadmanagementmanagermobileootpootp-developmentsout-of-the-park-developmentspisdsimulationsimulatortitle-bout-championship-boxing-2013Tue, 07 Jan 2014 20:30:00 -050011|20802777http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/24/start-digging-with-the-cave-on-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/24/start-digging-with-the-cave-on-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/24/start-digging-with-the-cave-on-android/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Android fans need go without oddball adventure gameThe Cave no longer, as the game found its way to that platform late last week. The Cave costs $4.99 on the Google Play store, and arrived a few weeks after making an appearance on Ouya.

The adventure game comes from The Secret of Monkey Island creator Ron Gilbert and Double Fine, the developer Gilbert left in March. The Cave first launched in January on PS3, Xbox 360, PC, Mac, Linux and Wii U. Our review of the XBLA version considered it the "cruelest of Double Fine's games," noting its sharp writing and somewhat tiresome repetition.

Google Play
]]>
adventureandroiddouble-finegoogle-playmobilereleaserelease-dateRon-Gilbertthe-caveTue, 24 Dec 2013 00:00:00 -050011|20794336http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/20/ratchet-and-clank-before-the-nexus-companion-game-out-now-on-ios/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/20/ratchet-and-clank-before-the-nexus-companion-game-out-now-on-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/20/ratchet-and-clank-before-the-nexus-companion-game-out-now-on-ios/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Sony launched the companion app to its latest Ratchet & Clank adventure on iOS and Android this week, Ratchet & Clank: Before the Nexus. Free on both platforms, Before the Nexus is an endless runner in which players collect bolts while hopping between grind rails and avoiding obstacles.

The game ties in to Sony's November entry in the main series on PS3, in that Raritanium obtained in the mobile game can be synced with Ratchet & Clank: Into the Nexus, allowing players to upgrade their weapons in the game at a faster pace. Before the Nexus includes a handful of gadgets and weapons from the series for players to collect as well. Given that our review looked fondly at Into the Nexus, noting that it felt like a "farewell" for the series, the mobile companion app may be a worthwhile download for players booting up the main game for the first time.

iTunes, Google Play
]]>
androidapp-storecompanioncompanion-appgoogle-playiosipadiphonemobileratchet-and-clank-before-the-nexusratchet-and-clank-into-the-nexusSONYFri, 20 Dec 2013 17:45:00 -050011|20792864http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/jetpack-joyride-devs-unleash-colossatron-on-dec-19/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/jetpack-joyride-devs-unleash-colossatron-on-dec-19/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/12/11/jetpack-joyride-devs-unleash-colossatron-on-dec-19/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Halfbrick Studios will launch its next game, Colossatron: Massive World Threat, on December 19, the developer announced in a new trailer. The game was first announced in July at PAX Australia for iOS, though the Fruit Ninja and Jetpack Joyride developer's latest announcement now includes both Google Play and the Amazon App store as the game's other destined platforms.

Colossatron gives players the ability to smash through cities as a giant robotic snake, thwarting resistance efforts from one General Moustache and his army. Halfbrick promises a "chaotic campaign, epic boss fights, devastating weaponry, survival challenges" and other features in the mobile game. No price was listed for the game.

]]>
amazon-appstoreandroidcolossatron-massive-world-threatgoogle-playhalfbrickhalfbrick-studiosiosipadiphonemobilerelease-datetrailerWed, 11 Dec 2013 21:00:00 -050011|20786782http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/spacetime-debuts-battle-command-strategy-mmo/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/spacetime-debuts-battle-command-strategy-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/11/12/spacetime-debuts-battle-command-strategy-mmo/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsSpacetime has a new MMO out that isn't saddled with the "Legends" moniker. The studio, which is now called Spacetime Games, announced the release of Battle Command for Android devices.

Unlike Spacetime's previous games, Battle Command skews away from an RPG and toward a city-building RTS. Players will develop a futuristic base, pump out an army, and fight both the computer and other players in offensive and defensive campaigns. Alliances can be forged as well, linking players together in economic and militaristic support.

]]>
androidbattle-commandf2pfree-to-playgoogle-playmobilenew-titlenew-titlessci-fiscifispacetimespacetime-gamesspacetime-studiosTue, 12 Nov 2013 21:30:00 -0500319|20766764http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/01/game-dev-story-creator-launches-pocket-harvest-on-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/01/game-dev-story-creator-launches-pocket-harvest-on-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/11/01/game-dev-story-creator-launches-pocket-harvest-on-android/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#commentsGame Dev Story developer Kairosoft launched its latest creation, Pocket Harvest, on Android recently. The game costs $4.99 (£2.99 in the UK) and is in the same style as Kairosoft's other creations. The farming simulator has players planting and cultivating produce like strawberries and lettuce as well as raising animals like sheep and chickens to create wool and eggs.

The game also challenges players with refining their crops so they win awards, which attracts local grocers that opt to place orders with their farms. Like other city and life simulators, players can develop attractions to bring tourists into town, building on their farm's bottom line. After developing a top-tier racing team, a game development studio, a soccer team and now a farm, we wonder what "story" Kairosoft will place us in next.

]]>
androidfarmingfarming-simulatorgame-dev-storygoogle-playkairosoftmobilepocket-harvestsimulationFri, 01 Nov 2013 23:30:00 -040011|20759173http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/28/gta5-ifruit-app-brings-dogsitting-car-customization-to-android/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Joystiq&ncid=rss_semi
http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/28/gta5-ifruit-app-brings-dogsitting-car-customization-to-android/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/10/28/gta5-ifruit-app-brings-dogsitting-car-customization-to-android/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Joystiq#comments
Rockstar Games has announced the Android release of its iFruit app, giving those not devoted to iOS a chance to groom a virtual Rottweiler on the go.

As with its iOS incarnation, the Android version of iFruit is a free download. For that nonexistent price of entry, players are given access to an expanded, electronic version of the Grand Theft Auto 5 manual, direct links to the Rockstar Social Club, and two "games." The first is a simple series of menus designed for lightweight car customization. The second allows players to directly interact with their in-game dog by feeding him, playing fetch and engaging in one of three simple minigames. Once you've linked your Rockstar Social Club account to the iFruit app, any vehicle changes you make or new tricks you teach your dog will be carried over into the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 versions of Grand Theft Auto V.

Downloading the iFruit app is as simple as visiting the Google Play store and tapping the "install" button.